Joshua 22: Lessons on Resolving Conflict from the Altar of the Eastern Tribes

Seek to maintain Spirit-led unity in the Body of Christ1

Introduction: Chapters 22 through 24 contain the conclusion to the book of Joshua. Chapter 22 contains Joshua’s final instructions and blessings to the two and a half tribes who chose to live in modern day Jordan, outside the Promised Land. This chapter also contains an account years later when the tribes outside the Promised Land built their own altar. The tribes inside the Promised Land believed that the altar violated God’s Law. As a result, they almost went to war over it. From this account, God reveals seven lessons on preventing and resolving Church conflict.

First, although the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh decided to forgo an inheritance in the Promised Land, they remained faithful in fulfilling a promise to Moses to fight with the Jews to subdue the Promised Land. From this, God reminds us that all believers play an important role in His army. Being a spectator is not a calling of the Holy Spirit. Second, from Joshua’s call for the tribes outside the Promised Land to remain obedient, believers are reminded that they must also remain obedient toward God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. Third, from the blessings given to the tribes for their faithfulness and obedience, God promised to also bless you when your faithfulness produces the fruit of obedience. Likewise, when you are in a leadership role, He also wants you to bless those under your command when they are faithful and obedient. Fourth, from the offense taken at what the Jews inside the Promised Land believed to be an alternative altar of sacrifice, He reveals that He wants believers to jealously guard against false teachers who claim that there is more than one means for atonement. Only through faith in Christ’s blood at the cross can mankind be reconciled toward God. Fifth, a delegation composed of the High Priest and a representative for each of the nine and a half tribes inside the Promised Land investigated the altar to prevent a war. From this example, leaders are taught to use private investigation, admonishment, and encouragement to avoid Church conflict. Sixth, though the approval of both the High Priest and the leaders of the altar of worship outside the Promised Land, He reveals that believers should celebrate different forms of worship when it does not contradict sound doctrine or the exclusive atonement offered through Christ. Finally, the altar was built as a witness for future generations never to forget God. Today, you are the temple of His Spirit. He also wants you to be a witness to others so that they may never forget Him.

1. Ensure that Each Believer Plays a Role in God’s Army. Josh. 22:1-4.

The Tribes to the East of the Jordan River2

2. Ensure that Each Believer Remains Obedient to God’s Commandments. Josh. 22:5.

3. Bless Believers for Their Faithful Service. Josh. 22:6-9.

4. Ensure that Believers Remain Obedient in Sound Doctrine. Josh. 22:10-12.

5. Ensure that Conflict Amongst Believers is Resolved Peaceably. Josh. 22:13-20.

6. Protect Diversity in Worship When it Does Not Contradict the Word. Josh. 22:21-33.

7. Ensure that Future Generations of Believers Never Forget God. Josh. 22:34.